Your Kids Laker vs Celtics

The NBA Finals start tonight and like in 2009 I was able to predict The Finals match up. In 2009 it was Lakers vs the Magic, picking a winner in that series was fairly simple to predict. The Lakers were a clear favourite. No one expected the Magic to make it to the NBA Finals let alone win it. Perhaps at the start some doubted if OKC could win an NBA Title. After going through a list of former Champions in the Spurs, Lakers and last year's Champions the Dallas Mavericks it has changed some minds. In meantime the Heat who were formed to win not just a title but many titles enter the Finals as an unlikely underdog. It was a much tougher road to the Finals for Miami this year as they had to play both the Conference Semis and most of the Conference Final without Chris Bosh. The Heat struggled to get by a Boston team trying to make one last stand with their older version of what Miami has. This is the NBA Final that most NBA fans wanted at the end of the day and now you have it.

If you grew up in the 80's every NBA Season it was expected that the Celtics and Lakers would face each other in June. It was a massive surprise if any other team would make it to the NBA Finals. We may be on the verge of a similar situation with the Thunder and Heat. If you think about it, the Thunder are still young and are likely only to get better. If they can find a way to keep James Harden and Serge Ibaka they are pretty much set for a long run as the kings of the Western Conference. Kevin Durant is making a case to be considered in the debate as the best player in the game. He was the runner up to Lebron James for MVP and these two might just play the roles of Bird and Magic in this rivalry for the ages. Not that you can compare the players games to those Hall of Famers. However, in their own right both should one day also be a part of the Hall of Fame when their careers are over. Just like the Lakers and Celtics swapped turns with the NBA Title so did Bird and Magic with the MVP Award.

The Heat have a tremendous amount of pressure to win not just a title but many titles. The biggest road block to that might well be the Thunder. It calls to mind another era of the Celtics and Lakers rivalry. In the 60's it was Bill Russell and the Celtics that dominated the Lakers with Chamberlian and Jerry West. This was a one sided rivalry that saw Russell and the Celtics find a way to win every year and leave the Lakers as The Finals runner-up. The Celtics set a record that likely will never be broken running off 8 straight championships. Four of those Championships came at the hands of the Lakers. The Celtics and Lakers would hook up two more times and both times the Celtics won making the Lakers 6 time losers. It would not be until till 71-72 when they would finally get their title. Could the Heat end up like that Laker squad that was never able to truly find a way to beat Boston.

Nothing would please Heat haters more than to see them become the Buffalo Bills of the NBA making the finals each year only to have it end in epic failure and Chris Bosh tears. This could be the start of an epic rivalry for the ages and a true changing of the guard for the NBA. Will kids today talk about the glory days of the Thunder and Heat rivalry. Tell stories of Lebron James, Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant, Dwyane Wade and that often misunderstood Chris Bosh. Only time will tell, but the ingredients for a long rivalry that we rarely see in modern pro sports is all there. Fans of 28 other NBA Teams would prefer this not be the case. However for those who are fans of not just a team but the NBA this could be the first chapter of a magical story.

Thunder and Heat could be your children's Lakers vs Celtics. 

Another Lakers/Raptors Classic

This won't be your typical DNB recap. I was in attendance today as a fan not in the normal media capacity. So as such it was not like I was sitting there taking notes of the blow by blow today. This was my first time catching the Lakers as a fan or media. Never really have been a Laker fan although there were lots of them in attendance today at the ACC. I am not sure why this happens, but in general when the Raptors and Lakers have hooked up it leads to big moments. Yes we all remember Kobe's 81 even if we have tried to forget it. But there was also the time in Toronto when Shaq dropped F-Bombs live on T.V back to L.A. There have actually been some close games over the years with these two teams hooking up. It defies any real logic as the Raptors history is far closer to that of the Clippers than the Lakers. But it does make for some good games. I remember Vince Carter had one of his more memorable performances in a game in L.A as well. But thanks to the NBA Lockout this is the one time this season you will see these two teams hook up. They could meet in the NBA Finals but let's be really that isn't happening. Raptors would be a long shot to make the playoffs at best and honest the Lakers are to this point not close to a favourite in the West.

This game started off ugly and it made the fact that at least I was having an enjoyable time and the ability to have a beer didn't hurt either seem good. I wasn't keeping track but I am told by those that were the Raptors were down by as many as 18 in this one. We have seen this before a slow start and the Raptors in a big hole. So keep the brews and food coming for the 2nd half right? Not exactly. In between chatting and enjoying the atmosphere something strange was occurring. The Raptors were mounting a comeback. I would turn to the person next to me and say wow the Raptors are only down....10....7.....3. It is no secret that I am far from the head of the Jose Calderon fan club. But you know what he had it going today. The fact Pau Gasol was in purple and gold might have had a lot to do with it. Also the fact that this was an afternoon game and probably was getting beamed back to Spain in prime time likely didn't hurt. It was a classic performance for Jose.

Jeremy Lin scored 38 points to outscore Kobe Bryant the other night, but who had Jose Calderon dropping 30 and out scoring him? Anyone that says you did shame on you for lying like that. Kobe would end up being in the spotlight when this game would come down the stretch. The Raptors had come from those 18 points down to lead by 4. Time was running out and Lakers needed a big play. Here is what I am going to say about Kobe Bryant and why love him or hate him you have to respect him. Everyone from World Peace to the guy in the last row of the 500's know who is getting the ball. Dwane Casey knows it too. But still Kobe gets the ball and he makes his way to the corner and swish 3 points and you knew it was in when it left his hands. That is greatness by anyway you choose to define it. The Raptors still had a chance to win this game though. Then the unthinkable happened. Those who follow on Twitter know my opinion on Rasaul Butler. I don't hide the fact I see no use for him on this roster. He had not played in this game and was suddenly in the game inbounding the basketball for the most important play of the game. He would turnover the ball would he? That would just be to perfect of an example of why I have no use for this guy. Well Butler attempted to call a timeout at 4. Ref said no dice and it was a 5 second violation. Casey who was also signaling for the time out was furious. I was convinced he was going to get tossed from the game. He would remain to see the end which was a Kobe break to the basket on turnover and drop off to World Peace aka Ron Artest. World Peace with the dagger? In any case it was a terrible end to a fantastic game.

The Spurs will be coming into town and it made me think of the unfortunate ending to both Cory Joesph and Tristan Thompson's NCAA careers. Joesph was in that same spot needing to inbound the ball with the game on the line. He too would not get the benefit of the refs call. In both cases you can argue the point till your blue in the face that both Texas and today the Raptors got jobbed. But in reality the game is on the line don't wait till you hear 4 to call a time out. Do it at 3 and be safe. Some of you may grow tired of my wrestling references but this one fits. When you break the rules in wrestling you have a 5 count to release an illegal hold. If ref gets to the 5 you are disqualified and the match is over. So what does the intelligent heel wrestler do? Breaks the hold at 3 of course. That is where you call the time out and the problem is solved.

Make the Final:




















Click on the picture of the score for all the boxscore goodies.


The other thing aside from the game itself was just how many Laker Fans were in the house. They are perhaps the best travelling team in the NBA in terms of a fan base. Not that people left L.A for somewhat snowy Toronto. It is just the Lakers fan base is North American wide and World wide. This is something I can relate to as a Dallas Cowboys fan. I remember travelling to Detroit to see the Cowboys back in their big run in the 90's when they were winning Super Bowls. There were Cowboy fans all over the Silverdome on that day. A lot were not locals though. It is a little easier to plan a trip around football than it is basketball with just weekly games normally on the weekend. In terms of the Lakers many of these fans grew up Lakers fans and didn't trade in their purple and gold for purple Raptor jersey's with dinosaurs on them. They remained loyal. As for the people not that old we live in a world that makes it pretty easy to be a fan of any team regardless of where you call home. So Laker Nation North Chapter was out in full force. Including this un-named Laker fan pictured below. This Kobe "Fan Boy" was more pumped about Kobe making the big three pointer than Kobe. In fact by his reaction you almost thought he made the shot himself. But there is only one Kobe Bryant and to watch him play is a treat be you a Laker fan or just a fan of basketball in general. He is a flat out basketball killer and when you think he has nothing left to give he shows you that your wrong.



Thanks to Jerrica who was my guest for this game for all the photos in this blog. She is someone that has been one of the many loyal folks that have supported and shown the DNB some love so I invited her to come to the game. You see going to this game was all really last minute. I was invited to the game by the folks at MGD. The reason other than being a supporter of their product for years? We are once again teaming up to give you folks that read and love the DNB a chance at a fantastic VIP experience to come check out the game this Friday with the Raptors and Bobcats. That is why I was there scoping out the place where 4 of you and a guest of your choice all over the age of 19 could be next Friday. Last year we did it for The Best Seats in the House. But having sat in these seats in VIP Box on the 200 level, they are FAR FAR from the worst seats in the house. In fact the were pretty damn awesome to tell the truth. So be on the look out for #MGDDNBVIP on Twitter, Facebook and here in Dino Nation Blog. We will be having 4 unique contests giving you 4 chances to win. Starts Monday 12:01 am and runs through Thursday. When these contests will happen could be random or you might get a warning of when to expect them. Basically be on the lookout. Keep checking Twitter and the site for details. Last year's event was fantastic. I will be around again this year but because I am actually covering this game for the DNB. I have enlisted a couple folks to act as your hosts for night. It should be a great time. So be on the lookout and even if you have won past DNB Contests you are more than welcome to try to win again. Only requirement is that you are of legal drinking age and have ID to pick up your tickets. So #MGDDNBVIP Night is this Friday it is also Raptor fan night I believe so you can catch Naughty By Nature at halftime from the VIP suite as well.

Three Keys Vs Lakers

For one of the rare times in the last four years + I am going to a Raptor game as a fan. So I don't have a lot of time to do the preview so will keep it simple. Here are the 3 keys to Today's Game.

1. Raptorsystem- Make Kobe Bryant a volume shooter. The chances that 81 points happens again is very unlikely. If you make him the main scorer and take care of the other options like Gasol, Bynum and others you have a better chance at winning.

2. Bang on Boards- Get on the glass and battle with the Lakers bigs. If you let Bynum and Gasol and others crash on the class especially on the offensive end you will have little chance at winning this game.

3. Pace- The Raptors do not want to get in a shootout with the Lakers. Keep the score lower and give yourself a chance. If the game gets to 100 points than the Lakers are likely getting their first and winning this game. Famous Laker announcer Chick Hearn use to say basketball was a raise to 100 and the first team to get there usually wins. But if the Raptors want to win neither team can get there today.

DNB Top 10- Lockout Edition

Hello all. The DNB Top 10 will make a lockout appearance. James Borbath your Dino Blogger at the controls. So if there wasn't a lockout what would we be talking about? That is the focus of this DNB Top 10.

10. Mama can that man Coach? Yes Mark Jackson finally will be a coach in the NBA. It seems almost fitting the lockout is preventing him from getting his chance. But can he actually be a good coach in the NBA? How can he help or hurt the development of Steph Curry. Can he actually make the Warriors more than lottery regulars?

9. I thought we had a G.M Already? The Raptors are searching for Bryan Colangelo's replacement as G.M. The team leading up the search is Bryan Colangelo. What all this will mean for the Raptors and how this will impact on newly hired coach Dwane Casey. Don't you hire the coach first and then a G.M?

8. Hang Up Your Spurs. Have we seen the end of an era in San Antonio? After a first round exit to the Grizzlies who had never won a playoff game let alone a series prior to that. Is this the end for Timmy and the rest in San Antonio?

7. What will Mark Cuban Do For An Encore? Mavs are champs and Mark Cuban said the might not even get rings? Championship Belts? Who knows but could you see the Commissioner David Stern being happy about this? More important then all of that was this a flash in the pan or are the Mavs legit contenders to repeat in the West?

6. OKC now legit contenders for an NBA Title? Step one make the playoffs....check. Step 2 make it all the way to the Conference Finals...check. Step 3 Go to the NBA Finals ??? It sure seems that Kevin Durant has a team on the verge of greatness in one of the NBA's smaller markets. Can the Thunder be considered the best in the West and the guys to challenge the folks in Miami for years to come in the NBA Finals? Can Russell Westbrook be part of that winning formula?

5. Got Mello Now What? Oh yes the Knicks have Carmelo Anthony and Amare too. They finally returned to the playoffs. But the have no G.M in place after Donnie Walsh was forced out. Rumours that Isiah Thomas could be back. Oh it is a mess in New York City. If and when this lockout ends will the Knicks have the power to build on what they have? A new CBA might just high jack there plans of building there own super team to compete with the Heat.

4. Boston Is to old to win? We talked about the Spurs might be done. How about the original Big 3 in Boston. Has the window shut on their chance to call themselves contenders in the East? Sure they still are likely the best team in the Atlantic Division but that is not saying a lot when you look at the Sixers, Nets, Raptors. Aside from the aforementioned Knicks there is not a lot in the division. But in the East with Bulls and Heat looking far better than Boston is this the end for them. Rajon Rondo would have to be super human for it not to be.

3. Coming Soon...Superman Has Left Orlando Again. Oh yes we all remember when the original Superman Shaq took his cape and flew off to La La Land. Now Dwight Howard is already making noise he will do the same. Well if Orlando does not contend for a title. Which is a pretty safe bet they won't. So will Otis Smith get the drop on Dwight and trade him like The Nuggets and Jazz did? Or will he ride it out and face the possibility of getting screwed over like the Cavs and Raptors. But cheer up Magic fans you still have 4 more years of Gilbert Arenas the former agent 0 to look forward too.

2. Miami Heat How Do They Improve? They still have there 3 mega stars. But they lack some serious depth in South Beach. If the new CBA is not a friendly one how will the Heat get better to start winning all those rings Lebron James promised? If they can't add depth beyond the 3 big names how long before we start hearing Chris Bosh trade rumours? The newlyweds would not like to be relocated to some awful place like Milwaukee or worse Sacramento. While some Raptor fans would take pure joy in even the possibility.

1. Lakeshow Drama In Full Effect. We have heard very little from Kobe Bryant. He was not in the loop on the hiring of Phil Jackson's replacement. He might have to call Lebron James and get the low down on why Mike Brown is a terrible coach. Oh and we have Ron Artest who has changed his name like Chad Johnson did in the NFL. Lamar still married to a Kardashian. Mike Brown's over under on being Laker Coach is perhaps 2 years at best. It is never easy to replace a coaching legend in sports. Jimmy Johnson did a good job replacing Tom Landry with the Cowboys. But those things are rare. How long before Phil Jackson gets a call from Pat Riley to ask to take his talents to South Beach? Will it take longer than it will for Kobe to get Brown fired or demand a trade out of L.A? Things are not looking up for the Lakers. It is scary to think the Clippers might have a brighter future than the Lakers. Well it might not be that bad but things sure are set up for a Lakers implosion.

So those are things we should be talking about. Instead we are talking about the lack of progress in labour talks. Here is a story from Adrian Wojnarowski from Yahoo Sports on where things stand with the Lockout after unsuccessful talks on Monday. But it is summer time and he weather is hot so enjoy it. The NBA Lockout will be still there waiting for you in the fall.

Which Raptors Show Up Today?

Inconsistency... definition - See Toronto Raptors. They say that all young teams are inconsistent but the Toronto Raptors took it to the extreme in their last two games. They beat the Chicago Bulls that were good enough to beat the Miami Heat the next day. Only to lose to Steve Nash and former Raptor Vince Carter in a game that was a blowout after the first four minutes if not sooner. Trade deadline is in the rear view mirror and the only help/hope the Raptors brought in was James Johnson. While the Knicks landed Carmelo and Nets who the Raptors will see in London England next weekend landed Deron Williams. You add all this together with a struggling Calderon that has lost his confidence to score. While Andrea Bargnani can score like Dirk, but he sure can't defend like him, or rebound like him most nights. Demar DeRozan continues to trend upwards but has the odd set back like he did on Friday as he got into foul trouble. Jay Triano post game blamed that on him being a step slow on defence. Something he said the entire team was. But as bad as this season has been the Raptors have shown flashes of brilliance. One of those flashes happen in Dallas taking care of the Mavericks in Dallas, something they had struggled to do for the better part of the decade. That was good news then but it probably will mean bad things today. Mavericks likely will be reminded of 84-76 loss heading into this one. When was the last time Raptors played defence anywhere close to that? It was a trick question the answer is that was the lowest point point total for an opponent this season vs Toronto.

The Basics: Dallas 42-16 (20-8 on Road) (2nd in NBA) Raptors 16-43 (5-22 in 2011)

When Last We Saw Them: We learned that V.C still sucks for most Raptor fans. But he also wins be it with the Suns, Magic or Nets and he did just that again in returning to Toronto. The Raptors as mentioned earlier were out of this one from almost the start. The only lead they had all night was 2-0. That says it all doesn't it?

The Match-Ups: When you play the Mavs it begins with Dirk and can you stop him. Remember the Peja Stojakovic era if you blinked you missed it. How about the Tyson Chandler Era? Oh wait that never happened did it. Jokes aside why are we mentioning them? The Mavs starting front court has Chandler at 7 foot 1, Dirk at even 7 feet and Peja at 6 foot 10 that offers a significant challenge to the Raptors who will need to deal with all that height. We have not even mentioned Jason Kidd who given how the Raptors point guards have played of late it, would not be surprising to see him turn back the clock. But the one true advantage the Raptors will have is DeRozan vs Beabois. DeRozan can win this match up without to much trouble if he is on his game.

Other Things of Note: It is #RTZ night at the game. What is that? Ryan explains to you for any of you that may not be familiar with it. It was nice to see a almost full house on Friday for Steve Nash. Attendance has been down and you only need to look at 43 losses as the reason why. Mavericks enter today on a 5 game winning streak and are trying to hold off the Lakers for 2nd place in the West entering play today. Lakers will be in action earlier in the day and I will be live blogging it for The Score Mobile and .com if you want to see a playoff re-match with the Thunder at 2:30 pm. Regardless of what the Lakers do it will be an important game the Mavs. Catching the Spurs might be out of the question as they sit 6 games behind them for first in the West. Raptors are in Ping Pong Ball standings and for those that follow that Raptors are a half game better than the Wizards. If the lottery was held today the Raptor would have the 5th best chance to win it behind the Wizards, Cavs, Kings and T-Wolves in not particular order.

Where is it on? Sportsnet 1 (Come on now, tomorrow is Hockey Stupid Day In Canada or as you may know it The NHL Trade Deadline Day did you real expect the Raptors on a main network? The Pre-Trade Deadline show is already on now I think so not a chance)

Bonus Note: It would appear Reggie Evans may just be back. Reggie just tweeted the following:

ReggieEvans30

2day is a big day LET'S GET ITTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT.

Could that mean anything other than a Reggie Return? It would fall in line with what he told us in the DNB as he said he needed a few practices with team to be ready to return. Raptors can sure take any help they can get. So you might hear some REGGIE REGGIE...Today at the ACC.

"NBAz in 7 DAYz"

The Los Angeles Lakers have now confirmed the NBA has rescinded Andrew Bynum's second technical foul from Sunday night's game against the New York Knicks. This is interesting for two reasons. One: Andrew Bynum was ejected after the now rescinded technical foul. Two: This is the first time since NBA referees were given enhanced powers that the NBA has rescinded a call. This raises many questions. Will it only change the information recorded on the box scores? Will Andrew Bynum still have to pay a fine? What will this mean for future calls? This is serious business which is why today I will address these issues, including the circumstances surrounding the Bynum incident as it happened on the floor and a review of the rules surrounding technical fouls in the NBA.

The Incident at hand - Arguing with a Referee

On Sunday, Andrew Bynum of the Los Angeles Lakers was ejected from the Lakers' game against the New York Knicks for arguing a foul call. Referee Leon Wood called a foul on Bynum while Bynum was defending Amare Stoudemire. Wood walks over to the scorer's table and Bynum steps into Wood's path with his arms outstretched to express his frustration over the call. This earned Bynum the first technical foul. Bynum continued to argue with Wood and this earned him the second technical foul, now rescinded, which caused the ejection from the game. The official NBA rule book outlines the power given to officials to 'correct errors' during a game and also outlines the process by which a team can protest a call or if the NBA decides on it's own if a call needs to be reviewed. The difference between these two situations is if the error is discovered during the game, it is up to the referee to correct it. After the game, correcting errors is at the discretion of the NBA as directed by its Commissioner.

This is where the subjective nature of the NBA's 'discretion' becomes unclear. The Lakers won the game in question 109-87 over the New York Knicks. The box score from this game still lists Andrew Bynum as having 2 technical fouls. Based on the NBA's ruling, Bynum will only have the first technical foul applied to him and any subsequent fines. But realistically, what can the NBA do after the fact for the action of being ejected from the game? Bynum was putting up some good numbers before he was ejected in this game against the Knicks with 18 points and 7 rebounds. If the Lakers lost to the Knicks, would the score change? The details of the decision to rescind the second technical foul against Bynum will come out soon I hope, so some of these questions can be answered. Until then, I am going to give you a few 'technical' points to consider when you are watching NBA games this week or in the future.

Play by the Rules

Call me crazy, but the Official NBA Rulebook is a good read if you give it a chance. It lists the things an NBA player, coach or bench staff can do during a game to be assessed a technical foul. They are:

• Delay of Game - Player and Team
• Excessive Time-outs
• Face or Eye Guarding (Face guarding is exactly how it sounds - getting in someone's face. Eye Guarding is the act of putting your hand over your opponents' eyes from behind them)
• Fighting
• Hanging on the Rim - Deliberate (This doesn't include when you are trying to look out for your own safety or the players' below you - it refers to the grandstanding or showing off which can inhibit others' safety)
• Illegal Substitute
• Throwing the Ball at the Official
• Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Includes Punching)

The one in question in Bynum's case is "unsportsmanlike conduct". We know that unsportsmanlike conduct in any sport is any action which is detrimental to the game or is committed against the spirit of fair play. In the NBA, this can mean a coach, player or bench staff. It is not like "punching" or "throwing a ball at the official" which are clearly defined infractions. In Section V - Conduct, Subsection (e) it says: "Cursing or blaspheming an official shall not be considered the only cause for imposing technical fouls. Running tirades, continuous criticism or griping may be sufficient cause to assess a technical foul. Excessive misconduct shall result in ejection from the game". So according to Referee Leon Wood Andrew Bynum was excessively expressing his frustration and warranted an ejection from the game. Bynum was complaining and was pretty vocal about it and by all means you can say Leon Wood was right to apply the first technical foul on him. However, was it worse than Ron Artest's or Kobe Bryant's who also were assessed a technical foul on the night? The number of technical fouls you accumulate in a season and during the playoffs also affects how much a players' fine is assessed. Consider all of these issues and challenge yourself to read the NBA rulebook if only to better acquaint yourself with the rules. This way you can look at calls intelligently, instead of being one of those people who yell at their screen incessantly not having a clue. One of my pet peeves.

Thanks for joining me today. See you on Thursday for more Raptors' opponent analysis in "Behind Enemy Lines".

Some Thoughts On Raps And Lakers

I must apologize off the top. Did not get a preview of this game done. Someone called a wrong number early on Sunday morning, and next thing I know had went back to sleep, and it was almost time to work. I was unable to watch this one as I was doing a NFL game for The Score. It was a pretty amazing game with Eagles comeback win over the Giants. But it is Monday and a new week so time to turn the page and move on. First thing to do is get caught up on the Raptors. After that got to get a few interviews done that I owe you folk. Jerryd Bayless and former Raptor Kris Humphries. So going sit back and take in what you all likely saw yesterday. Offer some thoughts on what all went down with the Lakers and Raptors.

1st Quarter Thoughts

• With No Bargnani interested to see how things go for Pau Gasol against Ed Davis.
• Raps were hanging around early Klezia getting another start with no Weems.
• An early 7 for Kleiza and yet another injury has cost a player is starting spot? Think so, sorry Sonny.
• Kobe Bryant is good....but I bet you knew that already...LOL
• Demar got schooled by one his idols Kobe was there then he wasn't
• Raps for whatever reason sometimes play Lakers tough...this looked like one of those.
• Kobe is making a highlight reel in just the first quarter.
• Julian Wright getting some minutes with no Weems nice to see. Joey Dorsey to with no Bargs
• Matt Barnes was a Raptor on Twitter but a Laker in life...he checked in.
• Tied at 24....Feeling sorry I missed this one live looks like good game so far.
• Amir Johnson with a serious throw down. Bayless the dime drop.
• Amir is off to a fantastic start. Raps are too 8-0 run and Raps lead 32-24...WOW.
• Raps up 6 with No Bargs, Weems or Evans? Pretty good.

2nd Quarter thoughts

• I was doing NFL like I mentioned, It is a copycat league they say. NBA not so much why to more teams not run the Triangle Offence?
• Jack reflecting on Vince Carter joining team #4. Reminds me of the Kobe comment that had Vince and Tracy stayed he felt they would be battling Raptors for years coming out of East :(
• Lakers were off to a good start to the 2nd. No doubt Phil was not happy after 1.
• Former team mates in Portland in Blake and Bayless....think so.
• A early Solomon Alabi sighting? You don't play him vs Bulls and you do here? Happy for him though. His first significant minutes of NBA career.
• Bayhawks 4 and 5 out on floor with Davis out there too.
• Ok Luke Walton is scoring that just can't happen...COME ON NOW...Lead history tied at 37.
• Gasol with Alabi on him...This won't go well and it didn't.
• Demar DeRozan getting to the line and he GETS UP for playing the Lakers.
• Mid second and 0 fouls for Amir and he has 12 points if this could happen more often it would be great.
• Lakers were picking Raps a part on D.
• Kleiza another 3...don't watch Sonny.
• Raps O on fire and D on Ice...as a type DeRozan got a steal..still chilly D.
• QUEENSBRIDGE....Just cause I saw Artest on the floor.
• Lakers took control in that 2nd Quarter but Raps had a lot of fight and effort. Need this against teams you can hang with.

3rd Quarter Thoughts

• The education of Demar DeRozan continues as Kobe is teaching him some serious lessons.
• Takes it right back on O at Kobe and Gasol...Hoop and Harm.
• Ed Davis missed a lay up......Oh youth!!! Frustrating. Missed another chippy!!! UGH!!!
• Kobe gets hacked by Davis and still scores....Lakers up 14
• Ugly miss from 3 for Kleiza but shot clock was running down.
• Lakers were outscoring Toronto 40-18 since the first....YIKES!!!
• DeRozan getting to the line another hoop and harm. When Demar is good he gets to the line.
• Nice move by Amir for a score but to much Kobe to much Gasol Raps were still down 2 touchdowns.
• Demar should study this game tape for two reason. What he SHOULD do on Offence and what he Shouldn't do on Defence...He has 13 points in the 3rd and 17 overall.
• Nice passing play DeRozan to Dorsey behind the back to Kleiza for the easy 2.
• Raps are on a run an are now down just 1 TD.
• Joey Dorsey showing a little something something. but missed two free throws.
• Reason Raps are doing better on offence...Ball Movement...Excellent!!!
• Amir leaves with a bad back....2 young onez on the shelf with bad backs if your counting.
• Barbosa a buzzer beater and Raps were hanging around or hanging on for dear life.
• Derozan ends up with 19 in QTR that is why you don't give up on this kid. When he gets it and HE WILL....WOW

4th Quarter Thoughts

• Barbosa missed a 3 that would have been big cutting lead to 6.
• Matt Barnes shows how you foul some one....What might have been...Oh Well.
• Raps have but up a good fight but signs are there the tank might be close to E.
• Laker Bench getting it done lead by Bynum and Brown with 14 each.
• Jose has 11 and 9 perhaps Bayless motivated him when he was out...Just saying.
• Julian Wright gives Jose Dime 10 with a Transition Dunk.
• Kleiza a 3 and forget what I said about gas tank Raps were within 6.
• Tough miss Raps could have got even closer. Bynum makes them pay on the other end.
• Blake 3 and crisis averted for L.A.
• Kleiza has strung together to solid efforts as a starter.
• Forget to mention Amir is back from the back trouble.
• More of what might have been with a Barnes 3.
• Raps creep back to within 7 but I know how it ends and not much time left.

Final Score- Lakers 120 Raptors 110

Final Thoughts....Effort Good...Defence Bad...Offence Really Good considering lack of Weems and Bargnani.

The Champs Are Here!!!

So your the Raptors, you have lost 3 of your first 4 games, and you face the 2 time defending Champs. Not exactly great timing for the Toronto Raptors. But that is what they face in L.A, then off to Portland tomorrow who lost to OKC in overtime. Which was a great game if you happened to catch it. But as the saying goes you take them one at a time

The Basics: Lakers 5-0 (They are 3-0 at Staples) Raptors 1-3 ( 0-2 vs the West )

When We Last Saw Them: Do we really need to do this? In case you some how missed it the Raptors got man handled by the Jazz. It was pretty ugly throughout. Deron Williams was so good it caused Jay Triano to drop an F-Bomb like K.G. Aside from a rally in the 3rd quarter the Raptors showed few signs of life. Sonny Weems was one of them and Andrea Bargnani had 9 rebounds and 26 points in a game the Raptors fell behind 41-22 after the first quarter.

The Key Match Ups: I will give you 80 + 1 reasons for who it is? Kobe Bryant and whoever is guarding him. Which I expect will be a number of people before the night is done. First to try his luck will likely be Demar DeRozan who is making his return to L.A. Not exactly a fun way to make a homecoming trying to stop 24 in gold and purple all night. The other match up of note with be Gasol and Bargnani. Andrea tends to do well when matched up with fellow Euros, but Gasol is one of, if not the best. Other guys to keep an eye on will be Lamar Odom who is off to a great start. Also Steve Blake could be that guy that sticks a number of big 3 pointers if not accounted for.

Other Things of Note: This is a really late start at 10:30 pm (Toronto Time) and shifts over to TSN 2 from Sportsnet 1. Which begs the question that my mother asks, will the Raptors ever be on a channel that I can get? Not till November 13th when Chris Bosh will suit up against the Raptors for the first time in his NBA career. Lakers have won 8 straight games vs the Raptors at home. The Raptors did manage to defeat L.A at the A.C.C last season and Bargnani had 22 in that win. Kobe Bryant is averaging 25 points a game and Gasol 23.2 points a game. Lakers also rank first in the league in points with a shade over 113 PPG and lead the league in 3PT % shooting it at 46.8% on the young season. Two ugly signs for a Raptor D that was taken to task vs the Jazz.

Overtime Extra Point: The Raptors chances as the old expression goes are slim and none and slim left town. It might be important for the Raptors to accept their fate sooner rather then later with facing the Blazers on a back to back. How Jay Triano manages minutes in this game might be the most important thing once a victory is out of the equation.

"Jiggly Bits"

Wow. What a Tuesday morning. Where should I begin? We could talk about Magic Johnson selling his stake in the Los Angeles Lakers and pretending they will always be best friends. We could talk about the NBA's Players Association taking legal action against the league for the change in the technical foul rule. But there's also Dwayne Wade and the issues surrounding his return to the Miami Heat line-up. Hmmm. Let's go with Gilbert Arenas, shall we? So, we all know our favourite locker room distraction faked an injury 7 days ago to get a teammate of his Nick Young, more playing time. Young subsequently scores 24 points against the Hawks and Gilbert's plan works. Really? Is this the real story? Gilbert Arenas showing such selflessness and risking being disciplined so his teammate could get more playing time? Or do we just want some attention? Trying to prove a point to Wizards' management? Not sure. But ironically enough, he didn't start last Thursday against Milwaukee but suffered a REAL injury to his groin just three minutes coming into the first quarter. I wonder what Gilbert Arenas' definition of a mentor is? By faking the injury and the drama that went a long with it, he took time away from John Wall - the Wizards number 1 draft pick. Where is this guy's head at? I hope he figures it out soon because his dramatic flair is not so endearing.

Complaining about complaining

So the players' association calls it "passion for the game" and the referees call it a distraction. This really shouldn't be up for debate but it is. There is nothing wrong with reacting to a call but there is something wrong with getting up in the referee's face to tell him about it. In the early days of the NBA, the league considered putting in makeshift penalty boxes and fining the players $25 for fighting or mouthing off. Now, the cost of a player outburst is at $2,000 for their first five. This is relative considering how much these players make today. But remember, the very first players in professional basketball came straight from the streets and from the battles of war so they were used to fighting to solve disputes. I know today is different but although I agree something needs to be done about the complaining, I am concerned about giving the referees more power. Right now the NBA has told players they will be given a technical foul what they call 'overt gestures', even if they are not directed at a referee, running up to a ref to contest a call, or other actions that don't show proper respect for the game. I think this is dangerous. Sure, be fined for getting a ref's face, another player's face or overreacting to a call. But this new rule gives the refs power to fine a player for frowning or shaking his head - a natural reaction - one that doesn't have to be directed at the referee. Depending on which referee you get, this could be interpreted many different ways and he can choose to let things go or call it. Whether it was a good or ball call, we have to live with it, true. But the referees control the tempo of the game and if they start calling every little thing, their goal of gaining more respect from players may be thrown out the window.

Magic Leaving the Lakers?

Magic Johnson used to own 4.5% of the Los Angeles Lakers. But he sold this on Monday to a Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, a 25 year Lakers season ticket holder and a guy with a whole lot of money. When I think of the Los Angeles Lakers, Magic Johnson tops the list of images. He says his dedication and support for the Los Angeles Lakers will not be affected by this decision and he will "be a Laker for Life". If this is true, that he bleeds purple and gold, why sever your concrete attachment to it? Clearly, he has aspirations to own another team. He has been known to express interest in being a part of the team buying the Detroit Pistons but the group hasn't made any public connection with Magic Johnson. Let's pretend he does buy the Detroit Pistons. He can't be a die-hard Lakers fan anymore because his job would then be to cheer for the Pistons to make sure he gets a return on his investment. Right now, nothing is set in stone. As a businessman, he has every right to invest in whatever he wants. I just don't understand why it is not the purple and gold anymore.

Wading through the Drama

This is not the distraction the Miami Heat needs but I am glad the team is supporting him. Dwayne Wade, as you know, pulled a hamstring muscle to start the pre-season and has been off since but working out separate from the team. He is involved in a custody battle over his two sons, which continues this week, and no one knows for sure if he will be in the Heat line-up to open the regular season. LeBron James was quick to throw his support around Wade describing the Miami Heat as a family that will welcome back Wade "with open arms" when he is ready. LeBron is right. When it comes to matters involving family, especially children, it becomes bigger than basketball. I am glad the team is supportive in letting him have some time off to get things settled. But remember, this is still only the pre-season and I am not so sure Heat Management will be all smiles if he misses anymore time in the regular season. I can't imagine what Dwayne Wade is going through and I hope for the children's sake, this is all over soon.

Behind Enemy Lines

Remember to join me here on the DNB this Thursday when we will be looking at the Toronto Raptors' opponents for the coming week, talking strategy and anything else that comes across my radar. See you then.

"Jiggly Bits"

It's a shame. It's a real shame there is even debate surrounding the vuvuzela and the World Cup. Who new knew a long, plastic instrument rich in tradition and culture could stir up so much controversy? Think of our traditional celebrations in the NBA Finals and what would happen if they were banned. How about those little squiggle things handed out to fans who sit behind the net? They are meant to be waved vigorously in an attempt to distract the opposition and cause them to miss a free throw. I don't think the NBA players really take this as a serious threat because really, is a little squiggle (for lack of a better word for it) going to throw off a professional basketball player who is being paid millions to make that free throw? I know this is not the same as the vuvuzela but the same arguments are being made by players and broadcasters about its buzzing sound being distracting. In the world of broadcasting and professional sports, what do you do when you are faced with a challenge? Complain about it, or accept it and find a way to work around it? I would take the latter. I bet you Phil Jackson is telling the same thing to his Lakers tonight as they take on the Boston Celtics - a team that seems to have a working bag of tricks that will explode at any minute. Let's look ahead to tonight's game, talk about Tom Izzo's decision and possible steroid use in the NBA.

Shrek and Donkey should stay in the movies

Man oh man. The Boston Celtics are putting on quite a show. They are posting wins by rebounding and playing strong defensively. The Lakers need to win these battles or the NBA Finals will slip away from them. Notice how I didn't mention scoring? I still believe it will go to game seven. The Lakers have the talent and depth. But let's go with the trend of comparing NBA players to movie characters and talk about Alvin and the Chipminks: Lamar Odum, Ron Artest and Andrew Bynum. If there are any X factors in tonight's game it will be these three. Odum and Artest have not been consistent and if the Lakers are going to win rebounds and the little battles, these two need to step it up a notch. Andrew Bynum is really favouring that knee of his and there is this constant talk about draining it or how it will perform under pressure. He is becoming a growing concern. The Lakers need to come out with guns blazing like game one of this series or tonight will be their last game of the 2010 NBA season.

It's hard sometimes to think of these NBA superstars as regular people with everyday challenges like the rest of us. Part of it is trying to relate to making millions of dollars to play basketball. With this this lack of connection, these players are put on another level as if they are not human. But I think if you look at other professional sports, the NBA is possibly the most accessible and it's players seem the most human. I am sure there are athletes in other sports that are tweeting things something like Chris Bosh did the other day, "At my Aunts for a barbeque". I like that part about him. In the NBA, you can sit court side, up close and personal to the players and actually see their athleticism. This is not to say that football and hockey players are not showing their athleticism by nature of the equipment they need to wear for their chosen sport. I play hockey and will tackle football in the coming year (NWFL here I come), so I realize the rigors one has to go through as an athlete in these sports. But there is just something so beautiful about a game that is just you, a basketball and the uniform of the club you play for. I think about that when I hear stories about Ray Allen missing Saturday's media session for a "family matter". It could be related to his son. His son was diagnosed with diabetes during the 2008 Finals and nearly missed game 6 to go be with him. Or how Derek Fisher was seen wearing a pink bracelet during game 5 of this series to pay tribute to his daughter Tatum who developed eye cancer at a very young age. She's doing great now apparently. It makes them seem like real people and not just millionaires playing a beautiful game.

"Should I stay or should I go now?" A not-so familiar Izzo tune

Tom Izzo is one of those guys who truly loves his job and is genuine in his comments. He has been very appologetic to the media about not commenting on the possibility of coaching the Cavs. He really cares about the "kids" (as he puts it) at Michigan State University and he seems truly torn about the decision he has to make. Rightfully so. He's Michigan State University's all-time winningest coach and has a 364-146 record in 15 seasons with this team. But think about it. Why would he leave all this, all the accolades and love for the Cleveland Caveliers if Lebron James will not be in his line-up? This is what I'm thinking the hold-up is. There are also reports of Byron Scott, a former Laker, being a back-up plan in the event Tom Izzo declines the Cavs' offer. Byron Scott is also rumoured to be waiting to see what Phil Jackson will do at the end of the season. Everyone seems to be in wait and see mode. It is going to be an interesting summer, that's for sure.

DOPING IS NO SCANDAL

Let's be honest. Somewhere in the NBA someone is taking or at least dabbled in performance enhancing drugs. Players in just about every other sport have been known to test positive at least once in a while, so let's not pretend it doesn't happen in professional basketball. With all the controversy surrounding the suspension University of Waterloo Football program and nine of its players deemed guilty of using performance enhancing drugs, made me think what is being done in the NBA for those young players looking to sustain a career in this league. I found my answer linked to Derek Fisher - his mother, Annette. When she's not cheering for the Los Angeles Lakers and obviously rooting for her son Derek, she dedicates some her time to an organization called "Mothers of Professional Basketball Players". This is a group that hosts discussions around the time of the NBA draft in an effort to help incoming players and their families adjust to life in the NBA. They set up a panel to talk about real-life situations and try to share some of the good and not-so good elements of playing professional basketball. With all the media attention and contracts aside, for a young kid possibly as young as 19 years old (and sometimes younger), moving away from home and having to deal with the everyday pressures their parents usually took care of, can be disheartening. The temptation to take performance enhancing drugs to advance their careers and sustain a lifestyle may be great since family involvement in their career up until this point may have been that voice of reason. I wonder if a "Mothers of Canadian University Football Players" group would have adverted a potential nightmare at Waterloo University. It is scary to think the pressure to perform on a professional level exists at the amateur level.

Books, Movies and Basketball

Don't forget to check in with the DNB on Thursday when our new feature "Books, Movies and Basketball" will be starting and lead by yours truly. Our first discussion will be about "Hoop Dreams" by Ben Joravsky. If you haven't read it yet, you still have time. It took me a day and a half to complete since I couldn't put it down. It is still my favourite book of all time. I will also suggest a movie for your weekend viewing pleasure with a basketball theme, of course. This week's choice comes from a long list of favourites. You'll have to tune in Thursday to find out.

Thoughts For A Not So Manic Monday

I apologize for getting a bit lazy and not getting the blog up Friday. I have got interested in the World Cup a little bit. I am not really a soccer fan but for whatever reason every 4 years seem to get interested in what the fuss is all about. Later this summer Canada will be in the FIBA not FIFA World Championships in Turkey. In fact Canada is going to have a team in all 4 levels of the World Championships. A great accomplishment for Canada Basketball. While Canada in soccer has made the Women's World Cup several times but only been to the male version only once in 1986 in Mexico. So one could argue our basketball future seems a lot brighter than our soccer future in this country. A bunch of things to get to today. I also have to get that interview up with Ed from NBA Draft Blog. It along with hopefully interviews with Ray Bala and Jack Armstrong should make their way into the blog this weekend.

Watch Canada's Future Tonight At ACC

The All Canadian Classic gets rolling at the ACC tonight with the best young ladies and men in the sport taking the ACC floor. Women get going at 5pm and the Men go at 7pm. It is the basket high school talent from around the country on court. It is for lack of a better comparison, the Canadian version of the McDonald's All American game that Raptors Demar DeRozan and many other top NBA Stars have played in. Tristian Thompson and Cory Joesph both heading to Texas played in that game this year representing the red and white of Canada. Here is an interview from Draft Express with the two from that game.

They won't be playing tonight but lots of great young Canadian kids will and the cost is only 10 bucks to get in. Well worth spending the money and time on a Monday Night in Toronto.

Raps Work Out Kids And Free Agents This Week

The Toronto Raptors will be back at it in terms of working out rookies this week. Will have a list of who is coming when the Raptors make it available. But according to Holly Mackenzie we could be seeing another Wildcat getting to know Canada. Eric Bledsoe of the Wildcats is expected to be here this week. Raptors also announced they will be holding a free agent camp as they have in past in the B.C era. That will be taking place on Friday and Saturday. The most famous thing of those camps is the discovery of Jamario Moon. Raptors could have a lot of holes to fill depending on how the summer goes. Will see if the Raptors end up finding a diamond in the rough.

Young Guns Have Invaded Toronto

Sonny Weems, Demar DeRozan and Amir Johnson along with Jarrett Jack all are in town working out in Toronto. The most positive thing in that is Amir Johnson is part of that group. Johnson is free agent and could go elsewhere. At least it this is a sign that he likes Toronto and would not be against staying. That being said Chris Bosh spent a ton of time in the city last summer and it hasn't stopped from him likely departing this summer. Still nice to see some of the players back in the city during the off-season.

4 Times I Got Rondoed?

I have not picked the Boston Celtics to win in any series these playoffs. After last season nailing the playoffs with in a game in the pre-season. These playoffs have not been kind to me. My pick to win the title is praying LBJ comes back and apparently trying to to steal Tom Izzo away from beautiful East Lansing to go to even more beautiful Cleveland. Nate Robinson has suddenly become a cult hero along with Big Baby. Shrek and Donkey are making me feel a jack@$$. If I am this upset about being wrong on a silly prediction, imagine how Kobe Bryant feels? The Lakers are not dead yet but they got a much tougher test from Boston then I figured they would.

Rajon Rondo should be the finals M.V.P if the Celtics should win. It has been a strange series in which the Celtics have been carried by their defense and been wildly in consistent on offense. You never know what your going to get and from who. The series shifts back to L.A for game 6 and 7 and Lakers will be happy about that. The Boston crowd went over the edge a bit last night. Which is to bad, because aside from that incident in which a small bottle was thrown narrowly missing Lamar Odom, the crowd was being a huge positive factor on the game. They were helping the Celtics and getting behind them and urging them on to victory.

Ron Artest has become the Black Hole in Phil's Triangle Offense. Lakers need some zen like advice and Kobe good old fashion yelling. Lakers have run out of tomorrows and need to beat Boston not once but twice. At least they will have chance to do it in more friendly surroundings

2010 Free Agents vs The NBA Finals

The NBA finals are about to start and yes there is lots of Lakers vs Celtics talk to be found. But there is also CNN and Larry King hyping up the interview with King James. The interview is going to be on Friday night so it is not running against the NBA Finals. However it has been clear throughout these playoffs that 2010 talk is in direct competition with the Playoffs. If you can't wait for Friday and what James had to say you can read it all now on the CNN Website.

The domination of the Lakers and Celtics in terms of Finals appearances and championships is well documented. This is the big match-up for a lot of folks and people were clearly cheering for this match-up. I have always said for me personally, I find it boring in comparison to my childhood memories of Bird vs Magic. Kobe vs the Big 3 is not ever going to match that for me. It isn't matching Russell vs Chamberlain either. But I think for what it is worth the Lakers will take this series in 5 maybe 6 games. I have picked against the Celtics the entire playoffs so why change now. Kobe Bryant was embarrassed in losing to the Celtics two years ago and has a long memory.I also think the addition of Ron Artest will prove to pay off in this series. Paul Pierce will have a hard time dealing with Ron defending him. The guys from the Basketball Jones had a fantastic breakdown of the series today on The Score.com.

However this 2010 stuff will not go away and the fact James chooses now to talk to Larry King is not an accident. He could have waited till after the finals and it would have been just as big. However the one thing that seems clear is the people that make up this free agent class crave attention. That includes Toronto's Chris Bosh. This group is trying to make it all about them. Let me make this clear that no one is bigger than the game itself. I don't care if you are Lebron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh or the rest of the B list like Joe Johnson and Amare Stoudemire. This game has a long history and has had many great legends in it. The story should always be about "The Game" first and the off-season rumour mill second. The NBA Finals even thought as I said personally are kind of a bore for me, should be the focus of attention.

I do not just blame these players for this. I blame the people like ESPN that have build this into the monster that it has become. Now CNN is covering this like it is a major news story? Well maybe it is just a simple ratings grab. Which reminds me, how did that Larry King and Snoop Dogg interview do? Now King is a legit sports fan but he clearly seems to have went from serious interviews to pop culture nonsense. Will Wolf Blitzer be covering this meeting between all the NBA Free Agents in the Situation Room? Even Obama weighed in on the possibility of James coming to his favourite team the Chicago Bulls. Lebron James said in the interview with King he wishes it was July 1st already. He is not the only one. He also has claimed that Cleveland has an advantage in his decision of where to sign. James may not have a safe way to leave Cleveland without being the most hated guy in town. But now he has clearly made it that people's grand kids will boo him, if he decides to leave. He also has put a huge amount of pressure on Cavs management to close the deal.

David Stern will be happy to hear that James has Cleveland on the top of his list. However I can not imagine he is very happy about all this 2010 madness that has taken away from the playoffs. People say that I am wrong and that any talk of the NBA is good for the league. I maintain if your Championship is not the top story then something is wrong. Kobe, Rondo, K.G, Ron Artest and all the rest should be getting talked about. Not James, Bosh. Wade and Johnson. There will be more than enough time to over analyze that once the finals are done. In fact ESPN has been doing that for the better part of 2 years. So much for Jalen Rose and his guarantee that Bosh and James will be Knicks. It is a shame there is not a money back guarantee on all these alleged stories and rumours. But instead ESPN is using this kind of thing to stuff their pockets.

This whole free agent mess has got to the point that it for me is having a negative impact on my enjoyment of the game. It is time to remember what this sport is suppose to be about. The team that holds up the trophy at the end of the season. Everything else is second to that. It isn't about fantasy teams or dream trades that will never happen. I understand they add to the enjoyment for some folks. I am not saying it is not fine in it's proper place. However, what I am saying is that we need to understand what is most important. Kobe Bryant likely won't care if he gets another ring, that is all he is concerned about. If James, Bosh and others want to know why they don't have a ring that is your answer. It is in part their success as individuals that lead them to choose a new home. But the fact they search for the best chance to win is kind of a joke. You win by making the idea of winning a championship your only focus. It has to be the only thing. So no matter how the 2010 free agency ends up, it still has to be about being focused on winning a championship not just talking about winning a championship. Talk is cheap. Well in the case of the Free Agents of 2010 maybe it isn't.

Hello Monday

For 3 series I have not picked the Boston Celtics. Each time doing it thinking they would regress back to the team that I saw in the regular season. It seems safe to say.... that is not going to happen. While everyone has been hyping the Magic to the moon, I have said not so fast. The Magic lost their first playoff game to those Boston Celtics, they got behind early and never could climb back in the game. In reality, this is the best team the Magic have faced the entire playoffs and it showed yesterday. Dwight Howard was held down for the majority of the game and Magic's not so secret weapon of the 3 point shot was firing blanks at times.

The Celtics have shown the pride and experience of a former champion that they are. Rajon Rondo has taken it to a whole other level. Rondo is without question the best point guard left in the playoffs. Yes even better than Canada's own Steve Nash. Rondo has just been off the charts and it has been amazing to watch. It is funny to think that there were people that thought the Celtics overpaid for Rondo. No one is saying that now.

Speaking of Steve Nash thought, he faces the challenge of beating the L.A Lakers. Not the easiest task in the world. Nash is likely the only match-up advantage that the Suns have advantage in this series. Everywhere else it favours the Lakers especially in the low post. Amare Stoudemire is in for a battle with Gasol and Bynum in the post. Not to mention the rest that Kobe Bryant has got, it could prove to be to much for the Suns.

If the Suns can not pull off a miracle, we are in for a finals re-match with Lakers vs Magic or Celtics. Much like the Magic, the Suns will be depending on the 3 point shot to fall. The Suns have been given praise for finally finding some defense in these playoffs. However, the Lakers and their Triangle Offense is a much different animal. My heart says Suns and my head says Lakers. Normally the head is right and the heart is wrong.

Heart is not something you put in a sentence with Vince Carter. I find it kind of funny how Vince is being hyped up. Here is the Vince Carter reality for folks. Vinsanity is much like Hulkamania. What is meant by that is for brief minutes of time you get excited and see flashes of the guy that amazed you. But then the reality comes back and you realize that Vinsanity as Hulkamania lives in your mind more than it does in actual reality.

I am actually very conflicted should the Magic be successful. On the one hand, Stan Van Gundy was robbed out of a championship by Pat Riley. I like Stan Van Gundy and think he is likely my favourite coach in the league at the moment. However to see Vince Carter rewarded for a career in which he never truly made the most of his talent turns my stomach. It makes me think of guys like Barkley, Ewing and others that never won a ring. They busted their butts for their entire careers and seem far more deserving of a ring than V.C.

For the Raptors get out those lucky charms cause you will need them. The odds of the Raptors getting a top pick in the Draft Lottery on Tuesday are very long indeed. That being said it does not exactly disappoint me. I am not as sold on John Wall and Evan Turner as the rest of the world seem to be. The New Jersey Nets are the team with the best odds to take home the top pick and end up with likely the consensus number 1 pick in John Wall.

I could be wrong on Wall, but I just am not convinced he has a winning attitude and despite his talent think this will be an issue on the next level. Not that he got to experience losing that much with Wildcats. If the Nets bomb out in free agency he will learn about losing in a hurry. Turner will be a good to great NBA player but not a difference maker for a franchise. The guy I like at the top of the draft board is DeMarcus Cousins. He has some of the same question marks in terms of character as Wall. But there is just something I like about this kid. If he can figure out how to stay out of foul trouble he can be a very good one in this draft. The reality is thought, Blake Griffin is next year's rookie of the year unless someone in this draft class surprises me. I am not a Blake Griffin fan either, but he is better than anyone in this class, and that includes Wall.

Just because Evans, Curry and Jennings were a success does not guarantee that Wall will be. I don't expect anyone to agree with me on Wall. But not many agreed with me when I said that Kevin Durant should have been the first pick over Oden. In the end the draft is about being right more than you are wrong and so far so good for me.

I will likely set up something to get together for the Draft Lottery depending on my schedule. So look for details tomorrow. Have a better Monday than Garfield and see you tomorrow.

"Jiggly Bits"

I am done. Done with this emotional roller coaster the Lakers are putting me on. It's funny how James and I are on the same wavelength when it comes to these things. Being a fan and becoming emotionally attached to a team is like being in a relationship. If a team doesn't keep up their end of the bargain by playing well and being entertaining at the very least, do we start the slippery slope of the "break-up" check off list? All I am saying is I am having doubts and I am wondering if it would just be easier if I was a "single" fan of the game. Then I would be free to cheer for Lebron or Nash or even Durant without feeling guilty. In any other professional sport, I'm single. No ties to any team, just a love and admiration of the game, free to follow and support any player I choose. Much easier and stress free. Let's check in with my Fab Four match-ups to see how things are going and talk about some NBA headlines.

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (Series tied at 2-2)

The first thing I noticed in this game and I am not sure if this was a conscious coaching decision or not, but Kobe wasn't always taking on the offensive leadership position during this game. Alvin - a friend of mine and the Dinonation - posted on my facebook page that Kobe needed to sport a cape and come out flying like the superhero of this series or else the Thunder might roll on through to the next round. He's got a point. The Lakers were trying to play from the inside out and it obviously didn't work. They weren't paying attention to detail and lost a game that was pretty much decided in the first quarter. The final score (110-89 for Oklahoma) did not reflect that a multi-NBA Championship powerhouse was present. The Thunder are becoming a serious threat for the Lakers. Even Lakers Coach Phil Jackson said they had a meltdown. Take a look at the stats for this game and it becomes clear. In the transition, the Thunder just out ran the Lakers 24-2. They were good on the fast break and held the Lakers to a 29-17 lead after the first quarter. Most of the starting Lakers were on the bench in the fourth quarter and Kobe left the game (not to return) to begin treatment on his knee. Are they giving up? Are they getting old? Not sure. But whatever it is, they need to step out of it before there is thunder and lighting in Los Angeles.

Phoenix Suns vs. Portland Trail Blazers (Phoenix leads the series 3-2)

This game made be happy. It's funny. The playoffs are generally a time when coaches tell their reserves, "No offence but you may not see a lot of playing time". The stars of the club take over and conduct the business of winning games. With their starters on the floor, Phoenix allowed Portland to take an 18-4 lead to begin with Monday night but dug deep into their proverbial bench pockets to pull out a remarkable 107-88 win. Two notables? Channing Frye and Jared Dudley. Channing had a career playoff high 20 points and 8 rebounds on the night with Jared at 19 points. Nice to see players step up and get to contribute coming off the bench. But let's not forget Brandon Roy. He had no real impact on this particular game but to come back so early from knee surgery - EIGHT days after. You might have heard this sort of thing happening in the NFL but in the NBA? Basketball players take a special kind of pounding on those knees and need them to be in tip top shape. A testament to Roy's character and work ethic.

Speaking of character, the Suns' Grant Hill picked up his third Joe Dumars Trophy as announced Monday. This award is given to players in each division who deserve to be recognized for their sportsmanship qualities and is voted on by the players. Hill joins Atlanta's Al Horford, Boston's Ray Allen, Cleveland's Antawn Jamison, Denver's Chauncey Billups and Houston's Luis Scola. This has to be the best piece of NBA hardware to have in your collection. It means people think you are cool to play with and against and admire for your character and not just your basketball skills. The MVP or any of the other accolades you can receive as an NBA player means you are good at what you do but it also means you are hard to defend or shut down and that might mean you are not as fun to play against. It means a lot more to receive recognition for something when it comes from your peers and especially when the talent being recognized is sportsmanship.

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Chicago Bulls (Cavs lead the series 3-1)

They are done. Chicago - that is. I hate to say it, too because Chicago has so much going for them. But it was certainly a Lebron show, giving Chicago fans a new image for the number 23. On Sunday, Lebron James finished with 37 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists - a nice triple double. And that third quarter buzzer-beater bomb from just inside the half? Unbelievable. It seemed as effortless as if it was made from 2 feet away instead of 34 feet. Even Joakim Noah described James as the best player in the world. It's no wonder that Cavs fans at the game started chanting "M-V-P! M-V-P!" I think that one game that Chicago took gave their head a shake and made the Cavs realize this wouldn't be a series sweep. Derrick Rose rolled his ankle on Shaq Sunday - a nagging, on going injury that may or may not prevent him from playing in game five. Chicago needs all the help they can get. I hope they do everything to challenge the Cavs and not just participate in the Bron Bron show. Would love to be a fly in the wall in the Bulls pre-game chat.

Orlando Magic vs. Charlotte Bobcats (4-0 Series Win for Orland0)

Our first series sweep of the playoffs. The Orlando Magic is the first team making it to the next round and are anxiously awaiting who their opponents will be: the Hawks or the Bucks. I will give credit to Charlotte. This was their first trip to the playoffs and kept themselves in the game. The 99-90 win for the Magic could have gone the other way. Charlotte cut the lead to a single point at 77-76, one point in the game, but two drained 3's by Mickael Pietrus kind of killed any momentum the Bobcats had. The Bobcats are still learning how to play playoff basketball. And it is certainly a different game. It's no sprint to the finish. It's a full-out marathon and only the mentally and physically fit will survive.

On that note, let's touch on the rumours I have been hearing about Bobcats Coach Brown. You may have heard too, that he's toying with the idea of a front office job with Philly or the Clippers. He says he's not coaching anywhere else but in Charlotte but that doesn't quash possibilities of taking another position somewhere else. He's almost 70 and he could just be weighing options. I think based on his close relationship with Michael Jordan, an offer to leave Charlotte would have to be pretty darn good.

Kevin Restani and Franklin Mieuli - R.I.P.

Whether they were an architect of the game or just contributed whatever they had, it is always sad to see someone from leave the game permanently. Kevin Restani died in San Francisco after returning from Milwaukee where he was at game three between his former Bucks and their opponents, the Atlanta Hawks. Restani was a power forward with the bucks in the mid to late 1970s. He was nicknamed "Big Bird" by then Bucks play-by-play announcer Eddie Doucette. The Bucks aren't saying how he died Saturday night, but nonetheless will be sadly missed.

Franklin Mieuli was on of the most colourful figures in the NBA. He owned the Golden State Warriors for 24 years until he sold them in 1986. He won an NBA title with the team the year I was born (look it up..ahem 1975) and was the club's only championship in almost fifty years in California. This is one guy I would have loved to have a chat with about the game. He had such a passion for the game of basketball and just threw his heart into it. Fans loved him mostly I think because it stuck with a struggling team for so long. He died of natural causes on Sunday in San Francisco. He was 89.

"Jiggly Bits"

Right about this time of the year, my head spins. Hockey playoffs vs. NBA playoffs. Since I have only pledged allegiance to my ballers in the yellow and gold, the NBA comes out on top (NHL playoffs relegated to highlights depending on who's playing). With this being said, we look to the first round of the NBA playoffs and fans are certainly getting their fill. There is so much to say about the 2010 NBA Playoffs, but if I had to choose, here are my top four match-ups: Bulls/ Cavs, Lakers/ Thunder, Portland/ Phoenix and Charlotte/ Orlando. These are the games I have a vested interest in and will provide for some lively debate throughout the playoffs. Ok ladies and gentleman, let's kick it.



Chicago Bulls vs Cleveland Cavaliers (Cavs lead the series, 2-0)



Lebron James. So he gets 40 points, 8 assists and 8 rebounds Tuesday night, including a spectacular line drive and jam. This is just Lebron being Lebron. But if any of you were watching with a close eye, you may have seen his elbow being slightly higher than the rim on that jam. Absolutely fantastic. Conversely, this is also what frustrates me about the Cavs. I wanted to see more from them in this series instead of the Bron Bron show. You rarely see Jamario Moon in the highlights as the guy who made the difference or provided a turning point for the Cavs in any win, but he did Tuesday night. Every time the Bulls tried to challenge the Cavs, Jamario was "Moon"ing them with receiving passes and knocking them down four out of five tries. And I think this is where the Bulls got caught. Chicago has being playing like they were going to steal a game with playing good defense and getting good playoff mileage from Joakim Noah who had a career play-off high 25 points, 13 rebounds. The Bulls weren't expecting Jamario to be the play maker and that is what will be the key for Cleveland. The Bulls are challenging and stepping up their game but it may not be enough if they don't keep their eyes open.



Portland Trail Blazers vs. Phoenix Suns (Portland leads 1-0)



This series has been interesting so far. I would have liked to see a lower seeded team beat a higher seeded team in game one of the series between the Cavs and Bulls but I'll take it here. Just no more, ok? Surprisingly, Portland won the first game of this series and this is huge considering the Suns had gone 23-6 since the All-Star break. If you look at the Suns scoring stats for the regular season, they have had some trouble when playing Portland. The Suns have averaged a league-leading 110 points per game overall compared to the 98 points they have averaged against the Trail Blazers. So what is it about Portland that makes Phoenix nervous? For this series, maybe it's because Portland has found a way to guard Amar'e Stoudemire. Or just doing a better job defensively and controlling the game through Andre Miller. He had 31 points, including being 10 for 10 on free throws. Or with Marcus Camby - he was solid on defense but also pulled down 17 rebounds and three blocks for Portland. I know history seems to be on their side, too - game one winners have gone on to win best-of-seven series 79% of the time since 1947. When the ball is with Steve Nash, the Suns and the stars are aligned since that's when they perform best and win games - when they are in control. The Phoenix Suns are on notice.

Charlotte Bobcats vs. Orlando Magic (Magic leads 1-0)

It was the nerves. If you don't keep them at bay in any playoff series in any sport, the opposition will eat you for dinner. That's what happened to Charlotte in the first half of their opener against Orlando. The Bobcats were trailing by 22 points early in the second half before the tag team of Gerald Wallace and Raymond Felton took over. Felton hit 2 free throws and got the Bobcats as close as four with less than four minutes left. Scoring pretty good on the excitement meter for the first time the Bobcats have ever played in the post season. Think back to what your coach told you in grade school: when you see your opponent is playing nervous apply pressure and watch the fireworks. Especially in the playoffs. And it didn't help when Stephen Jackson was pushing through the first three quarters with the pain of a knee injury. He finished with 18 points and 9 rebounds and played less than three minutes of the fourth quarter with a hyper extended left knee. Yikes. Another key to this game? Jameer Nelson. He had 14 points in the first half and dropped a buzzer-beating 35-foot bomb giving a 59-43 lead to the Magic. I think this made Orlando fans forget Vince Carter's shooting woes - 4 for 19 - even if just for a minute. Charlotte needs to just worry about their defense first and re-group if they are going to steal a game or two in this series.

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Oklahoma Thunder (Lakers lead 1-0)

I saved the best for last. You know from being with me for the season, the Lakers have been my team since the beginning of my time on this earth. This is not the reason I picked them to win this year but the fact they have more depth and experience than the Cavs. Sure, I have been told by many they would love to see Lebron win one. I love Lebron, don't get me wrong but I have said it before and I will say it again. I don't believe championships should be won for one player or by one player - it's no fun that way. The best TEAM deserves to win. And the Lakers have all the ingredients. We were talking history when discussing the Blazers and Suns, so I will throw out another little bit out there for you. When Phil Jackson's team wins Game 1 of any length of series, he is 44-0 (Chicago 24-0 and Lakers 20-0). Nice right? But also look at their defensive intensity and how Bynum comes off a 13 game absence with a strained Achilles' tendon and finished with 13 points, 12 rebounds and 4 blocks while on the floor for a collective 30 minutes. They have to watch their rhythm, though. The Lakers should have put up more points on the board to take the first game by more than a score of 87-79. Kobe can't be happy with his performance - he was 7 for 12 from the free throw line and 6 for 19 on shooting. Not good. The Lakers will need to watch their turnovers in transition and keep up their intensity through 4 quarters or else the Thunder may squeak out a game or two.

"Jiggy Bits"

So I'm at my sister's place Sunday watching the Lakers game with my Dad, bros-in-law and my nephew Ben. (He's only 9 months old and I am schooling him in the ways of the purple and gold - gotta start 'em young). What a perfect way to spend Easter Sunday, right? Wrong. Not because my brother-in-law is anti-Kobe and likes to razz me every chance he gets (love you Brian) but you'd think the powers that be could cough up a Lakers win on Easter Sunday? Especially for those of us who can't enjoy eating chocolate eggs. Thankfully, my Dad had veto over the controller and we moved onto 'greener pastures' and 'sand wedges'. Otherwise, it would have been no fun for me to stew over a Lakers loss, like the one on Sunday, with my brother-in-law laughing in the background. Brian would have been right, though. The Lakers are quite possibly on a slippery slope going into the play-offs in two weeks. Lots of question marks. We'll talk about those, Chris Bosh and the latest accolades, the Hall inductees and the Mike Krzyzewski rumours which say the Duke coach is moving to New Jersey.

The Easter Bunny... (earmuffs)... Sucks

Really? To the Spurs? Even Manu Ginobili was quoted as saying "...it wasn't even in our wildest dreams to win a game by (19) against the Lakers". Ok. Rub it in. The Lakers trailed by as many as 15 in the first half and got to within 2 at the 8:39 mark but that was it for them. The Spurs exploded and took control of the game largely in part because of Manu. He's been averaging 29.2 points in the last eight games the Spurs have played and his shooting is at 53.9 percent. And he can make the big shots, too. He hits a 3-pointer, snapping any momentum the Lakers were gaining and got his team to an 87-72 lead with about five minutes left in the second half. Unbelievable. Maybe something needs to be said about teams who perform well with the playoffs just around the corner. Do we put our faith in the teams with big stars to carry them into the play-offs? Not really. Look what happened to Lebron last year. I have heard people say that the Cavs should win it this year for Lebron. I love Lebron, don't get me wrong. But I don't like the idea of a team winning a championship to reward it's star. It should be for the team as kudos for a season of blood, sweat and tears.

Maybe this is why Lakers Head Coach Phil Jackson ripped into the refs Sunday afternoon. He was fined $35, 000 for publicly criticizing the officials after Ron Artest drew a matching technical foul with Manu Ginobili. Then Artest gets a personal foul and Kobe puts fuel on the Jackson smokestack by adding another technical foul to the mix. This just highlighted the Lakers "issues". Phil Jackson and the team were pretty ticked off to be losing a game to the Spurs starting in the first half. And when you play frustrated, you start to lose confidence and make silly mistakes like technical fouls and all focus is lost. Let's hope the day off from practice Monday gives the Lakers a chance to re-group.

Cooper's in the Hall - Love it!

I remember the day I got her jersey. Boxing Day back in high school (not going to date myself yet). I was at my Aunt Judy's and in walks my cousin who just got back from Houston. I put in a special request for him to stop by the home of the Comets and purchase my first basketball jersey. Number 14 - Cynthia Cooper. She won four WNBA championships with the Houston Comets and was named finals MVP with each title. I remember the last one and the confetti falling all around her, Sheryl Swoopes, Tina Thompson and the rest of the team. The first WNBA dynasty. So obviously, Cynthia deserves a spot in the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame. She joins Jerry Buss, Bob Hurley Sr., Karl Malone, Scottie Pippen along with two team inductees: the 1960 USA Men's Olympic Team and the 1992 USA Basketball "Dream Team". Dennis Johnson, Gus Johnson and international star Maciel Pereira will also be honoured. I like that the hall recognizes team as well as individual accomplishments.

I know a lot of people who didn't like the FIBA rule change in 1989 which allowed teams to use professionals. Sure, of the 12 on the roster, 10 members of the 1992 USA Men's Basketball team were named to the "50 Greatest players in NBA History" list. However, this pure dominance was only short lived. Remember, as basketball became more popular internationally in the late 1990s, the NBA housed more and more solid foreign players. This meant that the big bosses within USA basketball had a hard time arguing they alone were producing the best basketball players in the world. But that's what I love about this league. When Andrea Bargnani first came to the Raptors, I was really intrigued by his story. Here's a guy who comes from another country with nothing but basketball skills and not a stitch of English which people might forget is hard to learn at the same time as adjusting to the new language of NBA basketball and the Raptors' systems on the court. Those story lines are sometimes lost within the cutthroat world of contracts and big money since no slack is given when your paycheck has multiple zeroes at the end of a handful of other numbers.

Bosh - Player of the Week and Now What?

So Chris Bosh was named NBA Eastern Conference player of the week for the games he was in from March 29th through to April 4th. Look at his stats over the four games he played: 22 points and 11 rebounds versus Charlotte, 34 points and 11 rebounds against the Clippers, 28 points and 12 rebounds over Philadelphia and the cherry on the the banana split, 42 points and 12 rebounds against Golden State on Sunday. The first three games were wins and the scores passed the 100 mark on each side. The Raptors seem to like to win when the score gets that high. So you would think based on this track record and Bosh's points against Golden State, a Raptors win was inevitable. Not so fast. As you know, the Raptors lost to Golden State, by one measly point (113-112). I think if I were Bosh, I would rather have the award go to Boston's Rajon Rondo or the Cavs' LeBron James who were also in the running, than work hard for a game that didn't give back.

Duke wins Final Four and Loses Coach to the NBA ?

No. Don't get excited. Duke Head Coach Mike Krzyzewski isn't packing his bags for New Jersey. But really, this is how it all starts. Michael Jordan didn't want to come to Charlotte but after some begging and pleading, he changed his mind. Apparently, no one has contacted Krzyzewski from the Denver Nuggets and no offer is on the table. For now. I would keep my eye on this story, though. He may just have MJ on speed-dial.